They called upon all to come forward to guarantee security of girl children and ensure their equal rights and dignity.

President Abdul Hamid said the girl children of today are the women and mothers of future.

“Therefore, it is our responsibility to establish their rights and ensure security for full flourishing of every child,” he added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said she is delighted to know that the Girl Child Day is being observed across the country.

The Prime Minister said the government is committed to ensure empowerment of women and girl children as well as stop all sorts of discriminations against them.

She said the present government has implemented various programmes for the welfare of girl children, including free education, stipend, free textbooks, increasing number of female teachers and raising maternity allowance.

The Women and Children Affairs Ministry as well as different government and non-government organisations have taken elaborate programmes to observe the day.

The programmes include holding discussions, cultural functions, art competitions, rally of the unprivileged children, bringing out processions, publishing journals, leaflets, booklets, posters, and especial supplements in different national dailies.

Marking the National Girl Child Day, a procession of girl children will be brought out from National Museum at 9 am which will conclude at Shishu Academy.

Later, discussions, distribution of prizes for art and debate competitions and a photo exhibition will be held there.